STEM TEACHING TOOLS

This program is a joint effort between individual AFCEA Chapters and the Educational Foundation to promote effective STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) teaching and to enhance the abilities of capable STEM teachers in K-12 schools worldwide. The AFCEA Educational Foundation will provide $1,000 for an elementary, middle or high school STEM teacher (or international equivalent) for the purpose of augmenting STEM activities for their students.  The grants are made possible in part by generous gifts from Booz Allen Hamilton and AFCEA International.

New in FY12!  Checks to participating chapters will be sent to AFCEA Regional Vice Presidents in September for distribution to chapter presidents/treasurers.

FOR TEACHERS:

Click HERE to find opportunities for STEM Teachers including information regarding the STEM Teaching Tools program and Scholarships.

FOR CHAPTERS:

SUBMIT FY12 STEM Teaching Tools Report HERE

SUBMIT FY13 STEM Teaching Tools Report HERE

Send us your photos!! Click HERE to submit pictures electronically.

Chapter Guidelines for Grant Selection (recommended by the AFCEA Educational Foundation.  Local Chapters have latitude to modify based on their needs.)  Please follow these guidelines.

1. Individual AFCEA chapters select one elementary, middle or high school science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) teacher in the local community. Teachers working in schools which are poorly supported and/or with economically disadvantaged students are to be considered first. The awards are not limited to public schools. International chapters may select a STEM teacher from a DoDD school, or alternatively, the international equivalent of a U.S. elementary, middle or high school. 

2. Selection should be based on the teacher's skills, his/her potential to use the funds well and financial need. The method of selection is at the discretion of the chapter.

3.  Requests for funding should be as user-friendly as possible.  We suggest you do not require detailed proposals, but ask for a statement to include the following:

* How the funds will be used, and

* Number of students impacted.

4. The AFCEA Educational Foundation will provide $1,000 per school year per chapter. Except in unusual circumstances, the award is not renewable to the same teacher or school. Chapters are encouraged to provide additional money should their local means allow and multiply the number of awards. Chapters are encouraged to make a substantial impact in one location rather than a wide dispersion of funds.

5. Each participating chapter will receive $1,000 from the Educational Foundation in September each year for the school year beginning in September. The funds should be presented by a chapter representative directly to the selected teacher(s) sometime during the school year, preferably in the fall, and then spent by the teacher(s) for such items or activities as consumable supplies, hardware, software, SMART boards, projectors or other equipment.  Grants can also be used to fund extra-curricular activities sponsored by STEM teachers such as robotics clubs, math clubs, and FIRST competitions.

6. To confirm continued participation in the program, each chapter is asked to submit a short (1 page) statement to the Educational Foundation that includes:

• Name of the selected STEM teacher(s) and grade level(s)
• Name of the school(s)
• Amount of matching Chapter funds, if any, contributed
• How the money has been spent
• Evaluation of impact (approximate # of students involved)
• Chapter contact's name, phone and email
• Confirmation of chapter's intent to continue participation
• Photos, if available, to be featured on our website and in AFCEA publications